Temperature management garments providing targeted thermal support for extended periods of time

ABSTRACT

A temperature management garment manufactured with stretchable fabrics as to fit tightly to the wearer&#39;s selected anatomy and contains at least one significantly insulated pocket sized to fit a heat or cold producing thermal insert. The pockets are integrated with the garment to target strategic anatomical locations, are significantly insulated as to extend the duration of use of the thermal insert, and include adjustable banding that increases or decreases the level of compression as needed or required for the wearer. The use of significantly insulated materials for pocket construction significantly improves manufacturing costs and thermal performance as indicated in the prior art. Furthermore, the garments herein improve the prior art as iterations of this modular design can be worn independently, in a multitude of combinations, worn with other clothing, and can be integrated with other apparel from other manufacturers per agreements made.

FIELD OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention is related to the application of thermal therapies. More specifically, the present invention relates to specially designed and constructed garments that provide a direct source of heat or cold to assist the wearer to alter or maintain a desired body temperature. More specifically, the present invention improves the prior art by utilizing significantly insulated pockets containing a thermal device that is individually compressed upon strategic locations of the body proven to be effective in warming or cooling a person or animal. The present invention is useful for the wearer to maintain a desired or necessary body temperature in a variety of environmental conditions, constructed in a modular fashion allowing said wearer to control said thermal support, and reduces the risk of temperature related injuries.

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

In every part of the world, people and animals alike, suffer from challenges controlling their body temperatures. In cold conditions, losing body heat (hypothermia) is a significant risk to a person's health and can injure and kill quickly. In fact, from 1999 to 2011, 16,911 people died from hypothermia, an average death-rate of 1,301 people killed per year in the United States. In warm environments, heat related injury is also a major problem. Heat related injury (hyperthermia) ranges from limiting a person's activity levels, to heat exhaustion, and even death from heat stroke. From 1999-2011, approximately 8,500 people have been reported to have died from heat stroke in the United States. Furthermore, survivors of heat stroke can and have suffered a lifetime of cognitive challenges due to brain damage caused.

In the medical community and athletic world, temperature management is a constant concern and challenge. Utilized heavily in emergency medicine and surgery, manipulating a patient's body temperature is common and necessary during and after surgery, aids in saving organs like the heart, kidney, or brain, and is used as a healing therapy post surgically. Furthermore, patients with diseases like muscular sclerosis have daily challenges maintaining body temperatures and do not have access to affordable, non-restrictive cooling methods that could assist them to live a more normal lifestyle. Lifestyle limitations include field of work, amount of exercise, time spent in hot environments, and even types of clothing patients suffering from M.S. can wear.

Regarding the sports field, athletes suffer from hypothermia in cold or wet environments as well. Innovations in technology are constantly searching for innovative ways to keep an athlete warm without continually adding heavy and bulky clothing or gear. In warm environments, athletes routinely reach body temperatures in the 101-105 degree Fahrenheit range. This presents a two-part problem for athletes. Primarily, safety is paramount. Some athletes compete in ambient temperatures around 100 degrees Fahrenheit and add heavy, heat trapping equipment like helmets and padding. These athletes are in extreme danger when training or competing in excessively hot environments. Secondarily, an athlete's performance suffers in the heat. Athletes are not able to reach the physical levels they require and desire due to the body's natural mechanisms of protection through heat. It is well studied and proven that the body will limit physical output in high temperature environments. Currently, there are no options for athletes to help reduce the risk of overheating during exercise that is light-weight, non-restrictive to movement, and is adjustable. Furthermore, children are more susceptible to succumbing to Exertional Heat Stroke than adults. Some available options are heavy, bulky for the wearer, use expensive materials and thus are difficult to financially afford, and do not provide adequate thermal effect, in particular, inadequate cooling options due to a misunderstanding of human anatomy. As such, the current solutions for hyperthermia or hypothermia are not designed for strenuous athletic activity.

Another challenge with the current products available is a lack of available options for the wearer. There is no variability to accommodate the needs of most people due to size, shape, lost anatomy, or mobility. Indeed, other activities like military personnel, police, medical workers and others work in high temperature and low temperature environments in standardized uniforms. No advanced solutions exist that can be easily integrated into a manufacturing process for standard uniforms.

A preferred solution for these challenges would be lightweight and non-restrictive to the wearer. The wearer should be able to play sports or conduct physical activity with little to no restriction of movement. Such a device would apply direct cold or heat upon strategic locations on the body such as pulse-points. Pulse-points, arterial blood flow most superficial to the surface of the skin, are well known to be accessible and easily capable of transferring heat to or from the body. In fact, application of heat or cold to pulse-points is often used in the medical field today. The preferred device would take the proven methods of altering body temperature by targeting pulse-points and in part large muscle groups. Ideally, the device would be modular in construction as to allow the wearer to add or subtract thermal sources as needed or desired. In addition, as each person's anatomy is unique, the preferred invention would have iterations that could accommodate virtually any body type, have options for several different parts of the body, and include methods of adjustment to improve fit and comfort for the wearer.

Additionally, garments in general wear out quickly and garments used in athletics and professions with high levels of physical activity can wear out even faster. The preferred solution would utilize manufacturing techniques and materials not currently used in this field that prolong the thermal effects of the preferred garments, while reducing costs so that the product will be affordable to manufacturers and customers alike. Furthermore, a preferred solution would also be able to be integrated into the manufacturing of other clothing like standard uniforms. This integration would allow workers to conform to uniform policy but also gain a greater sense of control of their personal temperature management. In addition, a preferred embodiment could integrate well with other types of casual and fashionable clothing like jackets, hats, shirts and pants without the appearance of athletic clothing.

Lastly, a preferred solution would take into account an improved understanding of human anatomy. The common myth is that cold constricts all blood vessels and thus reduces blood flow which in turn reduces the thermal exchange of thermal support devices. However, arterial pulse-points cannot be constricted from mild external cooling and therefore can withstand a significantly colder application from said thermal devices. By providing a significantly colder thermal device in particular, the wearer will have improved body temperature control in the heat.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To overcome the challenges outlined above, the garments devised consists of high performance sports apparel with integrated and highly insulated pockets that rest near the wearers pulse-points. One preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizes thermal devices to provide either heat or cold in conjunction with compressive fabric to ensure adequate pressure is used upon the pulse-point of the wearer. The preferred embodiment would include adjustable strapping to increase or decrease compression as needed. One iteration of the preferred invention would allow the combination of compression material and pockets to be integrated into a variety of clothing types including shirts, pants, sleeves for arms and legs, full body suits, and neck wraps among other variations. This modular approach reduces unnecessary weight from said apparel and allows the wearer to select where the thermal support devices will be targeted. The said insulated pockets allow for said thermal devices to extend the duration of action as the ambient temperatures of the environment will have a significantly reduced effect upon the thermal devices. For example, if utilizing a cold thermal device in warm weather, the insulated pocket ensures that the cold thermal device does not absorb as much heat from the environment as a non-insulated pocket would absorb and result in reduced performance of the cold thermal device. The insulated pocket in turn will allow for much colder or warmer thermal devices that have a greater warming or cooling effect upon the wearer. In addition, the specially insulated pockets reduces costs for thermal devices as said thermal devices are readily available and inexpensive. Current thermal devices can be used with similar benefits as costly phase change material (PCM) composed thermal devices. Furthermore, providing significantly colder thermal devices has proven to effect body temperature to a greater extent and improves the results for the objective of altering one's body temperature.

The above features and descriptions of the present invention are disclosed herein and will become apparent from the following descriptions of preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a front, back and side perspective view of a shirt of this invention.

FIG. 2 is a front, back, and side perspective view of a neck wrap of this invention.

FIG. 3 is a full arm sleeve of this invention.

FIG. 4 depicts a wrist sleeve and thermal device of this invention.

FIG. 5 shows a front, back, and side perspective view of a pair of pants of this invention.

FIG. 6 depicts a front, back, and side perspective view of leg sleeves of this invention.

FIG. 7 is a cross-section view and top-side perspective view of an insulated pocket of this invention.

A DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION INCLUDING PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

While the present invention has several exemplary iterations and embodiments described herein, the present invention is not limited to the specific examples illustrated. The garments described herein, can be worn by men and women, adults and children, and can be worn as outerwear or undergarments. Furthermore, iterations of the preferred embodiment of this invention is not limited to human beings as size iterations could be manufactured to fit a variety of animals. For the purposes of this application, examples of the preferred embodiment of this invention will only include garments constructed for human beings. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention is also not limited to, proportions, relative sizes, figures or shapes, or materials in the illustrations.

FIG. 1 depicts an anatomically fitted shirt (103) constructed of a stretchy fabric in a front facing perspective, a back facing perspective, and a side facing perspective. For illustrative purposes and not limitation, Lycra from the Dupont Company would be an acceptable material. This stretchy fabric is cut and sewn to provide a tight fit for a human body and provide mild compression to the insulated pockets (101) shown. The selected fabric will be of sufficient thickness to protect the wearer's skin from potential damage caused by excessive heat or cold from said thermal devices (102). The pockets (101) depicted are constructed from significantly insulated material. As an example and without limitation to the example, Neoprene from the Dupont Company is an acceptable material. The pockets (101) depicted are strategically placed near pulse-points of a human being including the carotid artery, brachial artery, and radial artery. A dotted line is used to illustrate a means of strapping or elastic banding (104) sewn to the inside of the shirt (103) and said bands (104) are connected to the ends of the pocket (101) that wraps around the wearers neck. The pocket (101) terminates at the throat of the wearer and the bands (104) connects by a means and then descends toward the center of the wearer's chest and makes a final connection (105) with a band (104) wrapping around the chest. This banding (104) provides additional security and reduces movement of the pocket (101). A generic example of a thermal device (102) is also depicted and intended to be understood to be placed inside each pocket (101)

FIG. 2 depicts a preferred embodiment of this invention of a neck wrap and shows a front facing view, a back facing view, and a side facing view. The pocket (101) shown wraps around the wearers neck and terminates at the wearers throat where elastic banding (104) is connected by a means and descends to a means of final connection (105) at the wearers chest. In this preferred embodiment, the elastic banding includes banding (104) around the wearers chest and completes the connection (105) with said descending bands (104) connecting to said pocket (101). The back facing view shows additional detail of the pocket (101) with a depiction of the opening of for pocket (201) where said thermal devices (102) are inserted. A generic example of a thermal device (102) is also depicted and to be understood that a thermal device (102) is to be placed inside each pocket (101).

FIG. 3 is an illustration showing a preferred embodiment of this invention as a full arm sleeve garment (103) with two pockets (101). The pockets (101) in this embodiment are placed near the radial artery pulse-point at the wrist and another pocket (101) placed by the brachial artery pulse-point at the bicep. The pockets (101) are constructed of a significantly insulating material like, by example and not limited to, Neoprene by the Dupont Company. Depicted in this illustration is an opening (201) in said pockets (101) for thermal devices (102) to be inserted into. Included in this embodiment, the pockets (101) also include compressive straps (301), to apply additional compression of the pocket (101) to the garment (103). The compressive strap (301) is an elastic material and a means of adjustable connection to the garment (103). For this illustration in FIG. 3, a type of hook and loop material will be used as an example used for the compressive strap (301). This compressive strap (301) is meant to provide additional compression of the pocket (101) and therefore the thermal device (102) to the wearer's skin which is superficial to a pulse-point. The additional compression from the compressive strap (301) is desirable if a tighter fit is required due to potential jostling of the thermal devices (102) and/or additional contact of the thermal device (102) is required to the wearer's skin. Additional compression to the pocket (101) and thermal device (102) can be desirable to increase the effect of a heat exchange between the wearer's pulse-point and the thermal device (102).

The material for this garment (103) is a stretchy fabric that provides mild compression of the pockets (101) to the pulse-points. An example of an acceptable fabric and by no means limits this embodiment to said fabric is Lycra made by the Dupont Company. The garment (103) covers the entirety of the arm from the wrist to the axilla.

Also depicted is a generic thermal device (102) understood to be placed inside said pockets (101).

FIG. 4 shows the preferred embodiment of this invention as a wrist sleeve garment (103) whereby the insulated pocket (101) and therefore the thermal device (102) is placed near the pulse-point of the radial and ulnar arteries (401). Said garment (103) is constructed of said stretchy fabric to provide mild compression to the pulse-point of the wrist. The pocket (101), as depicted, is constructed of the said significantly insulating material and includes an opening (201) for the understood insertion of a thermal device (102). An additional compressive (301) is also depicted. For example only and by no means limits this or any preferred embodiment, the compression strap (301) is depicted as a stretchable hook and look material.

Also depicted is a generic thermal device understood to be placed inside said pockets (101).

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a preferred embodiment of this invention of a pants garment (103). The figure depicts a front perspective view, a back perspective view, and a side perspective view. The garment (103) is constructed of said stretchy fabric material, referred to in FIG. 1, to provide mild compression of the said pockets (101) and therefore said thermal devices (102) near selected pulse-points. In particular, this depiction shows pockets (101) placed near the femoral artery pulse-points and the tibial artery pulse-points. Said pockets (101) shown are constructed of significantly insulating materials referred to in FIG. 1.

Also depicted is a generic thermal device (102) understood to be placed inside pockets (101).

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a preferred embodiment of this invention of leg sleeve garments (103). The figure depicts a front perspective view, a back perspective view, and a side perspective view. The garment (103) is constructed of said stretchy fabric material, referred to in FIG. 1, to provide mild compression of the said pockets (101) and therefore said thermal devices (102) near selected pulse-points. In particular, this depiction shows pockets (101) placed near the popliteal artery pulse-points and the tibial artery pulse-points. Said pockets (101) shown are constructed of significantly insulating materials referred to in FIG. 1.

Also depicted is a generic thermal device (102) understood to be placed inside pockets (101).

FIG. 7 is an illustration depicting a significantly insulated pocket (701) and thermal device (102) placed inside said pocket (101). The figure depicts a view from a cross-section perspective and a top view perspective. As referenced in FIG. 1, the insulating material (701) for the insulated pocket (101) could be constructed from a variety of materials including Neoprene. The illustration depicts an opening (201) whereby a thermal device (102) can be inserted. The depiction shows the areas in which the pocket (101) is by means attached to the garment (103). Referenced in FIG. 3, the exemplary preferred embodiment of this invention shows additional compressive straps (301).

For all descriptions and illustrations for the examples detailed in FIGS. 1-7, it should be understood that all material examples listed or used as reference will not limit the preferred embodiment of the current invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a plurality of materials exist and are available to satisfactorily construct the preferred embodiment of said invention. 

I claim:
 1. A temperature management garment, comprising of at least one layer of fabric cut and sewn together to define said garment's shape and type, wherein said one layer is comprised of a compression fabric, wherein said garment includes at least one strategically placed, significantly insulated pocket that is attached by means near a predetermined area of the wearer, wherein said pockets are sized and shaped to accept at least one thermal device, whereby said thermal devices apply cold or heat to said predetermined area of said wearer.
 2. The temperature management garment of claim 1 wherein said layer of a compression fabric stretches to fit said wearer in such a way as to restrict movement of said pockets and compress said thermal device firmly to said wearer's skin.
 3. The temperature management garment of claim 2 wherein an adjustable hook and loop strap or other means of additive compressive banding, integrated externally to said insulated pocket increases or decreases said insulated pocket pressure upon said skin of said wearer.
 4. The temperature management garment of claim 3 wherein said insulated pockets are constructed from at least a single layer of a flexible, significantly insulating material, with an opening to allow insertion of at least one said thermal device.
 5. The temperature management garment of claim 1 wherein said thermal devices are sized and shaped to fit tightly inside said insulated pockets.
 6. The temperature management garment of claim 5 wherein said thermal devices utilize a liquid, powder, solid substrate, a combination thereof or some other unknown means and a means to warm or cool said substrate.
 7. The temperature management garment of claim 6 wherein said thermal devices are constructed to size to fit said insulated pockets of said preferred embodiment of said temperature management garments.
 8. The temperature management garment of claim 1 wherein said garment's shape and type include a full body suit, a short sleeved shirt, a long sleeved shirt, a sleeveless shirt, a vest, a pant, a short pant, a full arm sleeve, a bicep sleeve, a wrist sleeve, a neck wrap, an elbow sleeve, a knee sleeve, a calf sleeve, a sock, an ankle sleeve or any other iteration deemed effective for temperature management.
 9. The temperature management garment of claim 8 wherein said garment iterations are modular, allowing a plurality of said modular iterations to be worn independently and simultaneously.
 10. The temperature management garment of claim 9 wherein complete said garments or portions of said garments may be integrated into the construction of other garments by different means, different manufacturers, and different purposes as determined by agreements. 